Pune, 2nd October 2026: Despite special enforcement drives and raids by Pune Police, illegal drug trafficking and gambling activities continue to operate across the city. Recent police action has exposed the use of minors in ganja trafficking, while several gambling dens dealing in matka and three-patti continue to function in different areas.
In a major operation, the Anti-Narcotics Squad seized 1.5 kg of ganja worth ₹75,000 from a 16-year-old boy near a playground in Kondhwa. The seizure has raised concerns about drug traffickers involving minors in their illegal activities.
In separate operations, police seized 160 grams of ganja from a youth on NIBM Road, 332 grams from two individuals near a PMPML bus stop in Yerawada, and 364 grams in Aranyeshwar, under the Parvati area. Another seizure was made from a 19-year-old youth in Shewalewadi.
Police have also registered cases against people allegedly consuming ganja through cigarettes and chillums in Camp, Swargate and Khadki. In Viman Nagar, officers seized e-cigarettes and hookah flavours during enforcement action.
Despite these operations, the illegal sale and distribution of ganja remain a concern, with multiple seizures reported across different parts of Pune.
Illegal matka betting and three-patti gambling activities have also continued in several parts of the city despite police raids. In Yewalewadi, police registered a case against six people allegedly involved in running Kalyan and Panati-Pakoli matka operations.
Police also conducted raids and dismantled matka gambling dens in Kondhwa, Khadki, Vishrantwadi and Laxminagar.
Separate raids on three-patti gambling operations in Ramoshi Gate, Mangalwar Peth and Koregaon Park led to the seizure of cash worth lakhs of rupees and gambling equipment.
However, the recurrence of these activities following police action has raised concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement. The continued operation of drug trafficking networks and gambling dens has prompted demands for stricter action by the Pune Crime Branch and local police stations.